Doctors Ask for Diabetes Patient Input Only 29% of the Time

Results from the global Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs 2 study (DAWN2TM) presented December 5 at a symposium during the World Diabetes Congress of the International Diabetes Federation in Melbourne, Australia, show that only 29 percent of people with diabetes report that their healthcare team asks for their input when making their treatment plans.

Furthermore, only 33 percent said they were encouraged by their healthcare professional to ask questions in the consultation.

These results are surprising, given the importance of active involvement of people with diabetes in their own treatment and care. In fact, 84 percent of healthcare professionals who took part in the study said it would be helpful if their patients prepared questions in advance of the consultation.

“People with diabetes who feel supported and capable of self-managing their condition are more likely to have a successful treatment outcome and therefore have the opportunity to live a better life with diabetes,” explained Ingrid Willaing, head of Education Research at the Steno Diabetes Center and lead national investigator for DAWN2TM in Denmark, during her symposium presentation. “The DAWN2TM study highlights that far too few people with diabetes are supported to take an active role.”

About DAWN2TM

DAWN2TM is a global Novo Nordisk initiative conducted in collaboration with the IDF, the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations, the Steno Diabetes Center, and a range of other national, regional, and global partners. It represents the voices of more than 15,000 people with diabetes, their family members, and healthcare professionals in 17 countries across four continents.

The study will be used nationally and internationally to facilitate dialogue among patient organizations, healthcare professionals, and other key stakeholders to develop plans for improving the lives of people with diabetes. Further information is available at www.dawnstudy.com.

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